Former RCMP Insp. Tim Shields charged with sexual assault

RCMP Insp. Tim Shields has been charged with sexual assault in relation to his time in charge of the RCMP's strategic communications unit in Vancouver between 2009 and 2010.

Former RCMP Insp. Tim Shields has been charged with sexual assault in relation to his time in charge of a communications unit at the force’s E Division headquarters in Vancouver.

B.C.’s Criminal Justice Branch said the charge came as a result from an investigation into sexual misconduct alleged to have occurred between 2009 and 2010.

The alleged victim was a civilian employee who worked with the strategic communications unit.

Shields’ next court appearance is June 27 in Vancouver.

The high-profile officer, who voluntarily retired in December, was suspended with pay a year ago pending the outcome of a Code of Conduct investigation. RCMP officials noted at the time it was not a disciplinary measure.

Shields spent many years as media spokesman for the RCMP, starting with the Surrey detachment